Barry Westling

Hi Daniel: More and more publishers are providing PPT's as instructor resources. As I've indicated, these have useful information but they are not formatted to be real enjoyable to view (plain). I like to make my own slides, both for sequencing but also for allowing me to stop and discuss, or even do a brief demonstration, then come back to the slides. This not only makes things more interesting but keeps attention, students focused, and allows me to add the information I want to emphasize. Regards, Barry

Hi Jeff: I think the best response to your question would be this - no matter what the topic, we instructors can be creative and make other learning methods other than lecture or demonstration. The potential problem is that doing so takes time, time that many may not realistically have to create new models. Regards, Barry

Hi Ken: If I may take that idea one step further, I would say why not use back-up plans no matter what? This might be a great way to break up the energy of the class, especially if doing so has the studens work on something that forces them to think in a new way. Regards, Barry

Hi Ma: That's the great thing about clinical evaluations. It allows for one on one interaction with our students, which may allow the instructor to gauge how well the student understands a concept or skill. Regards, Barry

Hi Ken: These sound like great ideas. Others like to try a similar technique - ask a question to the whole group, then ask a random student what they think is the answer. The key is asking a "random" student for this idea to be effective. Regards, Barry

Hi Ma: Do you believe the instructor should track down each and every student if the student is not maintaining their grade, or do you feel that is the student's responsiblity? Regards, Barry

Hi Sultana: Indeed - many institutions are moving to electronic methods that allow the student to track their progress in class to promote the very thing you are describing. Regards, Barry

Hi Janelle: What many don't realize is that this type of tool can be used to make improvements in both our strengths and weaknesses. Regards, Barry

Hi Janelle: I think ANY instructional media, be it PPT, whiteboard, discussions, etc. - whatever, can be effective if the instructor makes it engaging and fun. The problem is many instructors don't realize this and drone on and on using the same old dry material they always have. Worse yet is an attitude by instructors showing an unwillingness to try new things. Regards, Barry

Hi Janelle: Additionally, these types of tools may be indicators ofhow your adult learner ....well, learns! Knowing this can help us create more effective lesson plans. Regards, Barry